RENTER’S TAX RELIEF PROGRAM

SUMMARY

The renter’s tax relief program provides state grants to low-income elderly and totally disabled people to reimburse them for a portion of their rent and utilities. The amount of the grant varies according to income.

The law and informational materials published by the administering agency, the Office of Policy and Management (OPM), describe a renter as anyone who makes periodic payments in return for occupying another’s property as his principal residence. The grants cover people living in apartments, cooperative and congregate housing, boarding houses, and mobile homes, among other places.

ELDERLY AND DISABLED RENTER’S TAX RELIEF PROGRAM

The state elderly and disabled renters’ program reimburses rent and utility costs for low-income recipients. Annual grants range from $150 to $900 for married couples and from $50 to $700 for singles, depending on income. The grants reimburse for rent and utilities actually paid during the preceding calendar year.

To qualify for the program, a renter or his spouse must (1) have lived in Connecticut for at least one year before applying; (2) be at least age 65 or, if under age 65, be eligible to receive Social Security or equivalent permanent total disability benefits; and (3) for 2006 applications, have a qualifying income below $39,500 for a married couple and $32,300 for a single person. These income limits are adjusted annually by the annual percentage increase in Social Security benefits (CGS §§12-170d and 12-170e).

RENTERS REBATE - YOU WILL NEED

1. If you are a new applicant, you will need your ID with proof of age of eligibility (you must be 65 years of age by December 31, 2010 or under 65 years of age and Social Security Disabled). Disability can be proven with any one of the following: a “TPQY” statement from Social Security that states the date your disability began, or a Medicare deduction shown on your Social Security 1099 statement, or the letter “A” following the Social Security number listed in the bottom right hand corner of the Social Security 1099 statement.

2. ALL applicants must provide a COPY of their 1099 statement, received from Social Security, indicating the “total” amount of money received in the year 2010. If you do not supply a COPY, your original must be taken at the time of your application. If you absolutely cannot locate this statement, you may request a duplicate by calling the local Social Security Office (please only do so if necessary) at (860) 314-2304.

3. If you filed an IRS tax return, a COPY of this is also needed.

4. If you did not file a tax return, you must bring proof of all your income, including: bank interest, IRA withdrawals, wages earned, and any pensions received. The Assessor’s Office staff will need copies of all income you received for the year.

5. Most Important: Proof (receipts) for rent and utilities paid during the calendar year of 2010. This proof can be provided by your cancelled checks or a yearly statement. Utilities include only necessities (electric, gas, oil, etc.). These items are also for review only, no extra copies are needed. Cable TV and telephone are not included.

Income Limits are: Single/Widowed $32,300 and Married $39,500. This limit is your Social Security and other income combined.